Bulldogs in Service 2013

For many University of Redlands alumni, community service is more than just a requirement they met while an undergraduate; it’s something they continue to take part in, wherever they are in the world.

On Sept. 28, the sixth annual Bulldogs in Service event will take place simultaneously in 12 Southern California cities and 10 other locations across the United States. Through Bulldogs in Service, alumni, their families, and friends of the University are able to give back and better their communities in a variety of ways, from combating hunger in Redlands to preparing meals at the Las Vegas Ronald McDonald House.

“It’s a unique experience,” said Amber De Massimo, assistant director of Alumni Relations. “It’s a great time to go volunteer in your community and also connect with fellow Bulldogs. You will meet people who graduated close to when you did, and you never knew they lived a city over. You get to be with your University community while helping your local community, so you get every experience you could want in one day.”

Bulldogs in Service was established in 2007 by the Alumni Board of Directors, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The first time around, 400 volunteers in Redlands and Salzburg took on 14 different projects. Each year, the number of participants and projects grows.

“This is always open to the Redlands and Inland Empire community,” De Massimo said. “If you want to volunteer, we have a space for you. For parents, it’s also a great idea to come out here and serve with your kid on a Saturday.”

Ideas for projects come in from alumni, who also take the lead once their project is chosen.

“You told us where you wanted to serve, and we’re doing it,” De Massimo said.

In Kent, Wash., Elizabeth Parker ’07 is in charge of the Bulldogs in Service event at Northwest Harvest.

“It is the largest food bank distributor in the state of Washington, with 350 food banks in the network,” she said. “We will be working at the warehouse, sorting donations and organizing them for various food banks and outreach programs. There were 40 people helping with this last year.”

Parker has always enjoyed giving back, and in her spare time also serves as a court appointed special advocate for foster children.

“Outside of work, my biggest passion is volunteerism,” she said. “It’s so important, and I love doing this type of stuff.”